a relatively smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relatively smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of one object or group to another, indicating that it is smaller in a comparative sense but not necessarily small in absolute terms. Example: "The new model is a relatively smaller version of the previous design, making it easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While thick films displayed enlarged nanoparticle features, thinner films exhibited a relatively smaller evolution.

Catalysis Today

My guess is that it will be a relatively smaller part of the business".

Independent

Consequently, a richer set of geometric shapes can be built using a relatively smaller set of control points.

Computer-Aided Design

The smaller species is a member of the "croaking" group of toucans, with very different, frog-like vocalizations, and has a relatively smaller bill.

Cornell University

Even this amount, however, will likely leave us with a relatively smaller endowment for financial aid than most of our close peers.

Stanford University

More importantly, these better performances may be achieved with a relatively smaller mass for the active part of the control.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Surface roughness was found to have increased to a relatively smaller extent with lesser number of valleys or peaks.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The best result has been obtained by vapor Si infiltration with a relatively smaller scale porous carbon preform having a density of 0.92 g cm−3.

Carbon

You live in Allahabad, a relatively smaller city, and your work has mostly been read by those within the Urdu-speaking or academic world.

The New York Times

The jaw suspension may have had an oblique orientation (associated with a wide mouth gape) or a nearly vertical orientation (associated with a relatively smaller gape).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This new strategy allows training the local linear models using normalized LMS and using a relatively smaller nonlinear network to efficiently combine the predictions of the linear experts.

Neural Networks

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether emphasizing the relative difference is necessary. Sometimes, "smaller" alone is sufficient and more concise.

Common error

Avoid using "a relatively smaller" when the size difference is already apparent. Overusing "relatively" can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful. Just use "smaller" when the context is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relatively smaller" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is smaller in comparison to something else. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a relatively smaller" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to indicate that something is smaller in comparison to something else. As noted by Ludwig, it is widely applicable in various contexts. It appears most frequently in scientific literature, news articles, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "a comparatively smaller" or "a slightly smaller" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comparatively smaller

Replaces "relatively" with "comparatively", maintaining the same meaning of a size comparison.

a somewhat smaller

Substitutes "relatively" with "somewhat", indicating a slight or moderate difference in size.

a noticeably smaller

Replaces "relatively" with "noticeably", emphasizing that the difference in size is easily observed.

a marginally smaller

Changes "relatively" to "marginally", suggesting that the size difference is small or insignificant.

a slightly smaller

Employs "slightly" instead of "relatively", denoting a minimal difference in size.

a moderately smaller

Uses "moderately" in place of "relatively", signifying a medium degree of difference in size.

a discernibly smaller

Replaces "relatively" with "discernibly", highlighting that the size difference is distinguishable.

a palpably smaller

Substitutes "relatively" with "palpably", indicating that the difference in size is easily perceived.

a measurably smaller

Changes "relatively" to "measurably", implying that the size difference can be quantified.

a fractionally smaller

Employs "fractionally" instead of "relatively", indicating a very small difference in size, almost negligible.

FAQs

How can I use "a relatively smaller" in a sentence?

Use "a relatively smaller" to indicate that something is smaller compared to something else, but not necessarily small in absolute terms. For instance, "This phone has "a relatively smaller" screen than the previous model".

What are some alternatives to "a relatively smaller"?

You can use alternatives like "a comparatively smaller", "a somewhat smaller", or "a slightly smaller" depending on the context and the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

Is it always necessary to include "relatively" when comparing sizes?

No, it's not always necessary. If the context makes the comparison clear, you can often omit "relatively" and simply use "smaller". The inclusion of "relatively" is useful when you want to emphasize that the size difference is being considered in relation to something else.

What's the difference between "a relatively smaller" and "a much smaller"?

"A relatively smaller" implies a comparison where the difference is noticeable but not extreme. "A much smaller" indicates a more significant and pronounced difference in size. For example, this room is "a relatively smaller" than the conference room, while the closet is "a much smaller" than the conference room.